New Top End Villas Available in France
Sanctuary Villas and Apartments has added two new properties on the Côte d’Azur to its portfolio of European rental villas. The new villas differ in style, with one offering unashamed opulence and the other cutting-edge, minimalist design, but both still fit with Sanctuary’s core product philosophy by combining individuality, luxury and comfortable living.
Best Kept Secret at the Cannes Film Festival
When you think about Cannes and its sparkling annual Film Festival; images are conjured of dapper actors, donned in tuxedos with glamorous actresses draped over their arms, but little is really known what goes on behind the scenes at the world’s most famous of Film parties.
The South Africa Villa Book
For those feeling deprived of a summer this year, The Villa Book’s new collection of luxury villas in and around Cape Town offers an opportunity for a winter sun escape.
RockResorts brings luxury to St Lucia with grand opening of The Landings St Lucia
The Landings St Lucia, A RockResort, officially opened on 19th December 2007. Located on Rodney Bay, St Lucia, in the West Indies, The Landings is the most luxurious resort on the island, spanning 19 acres and nearly 800 feet of the island’s most stunning beachfront.
New Boutique Hotel opens in Goa
Vivenda dos Palhacos has recently opened as one of South Goa’s first boutique hotels situated in Majorda, a 45 minute drive from the state capital Panjim. Prices start from $80 a night for a double room ($40 during Monsoon season).
Follow in the footsteps of Naomi Watts in Guilin, China
Follow in the footsteps of Naomi Watts, who plays the lead role in the recently launched film Painted Veil, on Bales Worldwide’s Best of China trip. The 10 day holiday, priced from £1758 departs on the 3rd November 2007 and spends two days in Guilin which is the central backdrop to the epic Hollywood adaptation of the classic 1920’s Somerset Maugham love story.
Gary Rhodes opens new restaurant at Grosvenor House, Dubai
World renowned for his tireless attention to detail and unique mastery of the great British classics, Rhodes Mezzanine offers the best of Rhodes’ signature Anglo-French cuisine to Dubai’s most discerning crowd.
Paddling through Clear Rivers
Leading specialist tour operator Hidden Croatia offers “Clear Rivers” an amazing adventure trip taking you through some of the most beautiful rivers in Croatia and the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Giving an exceptional experience of the country, Hidden Croatia’s local guides will steer you away from civilisation giving a true insight into the unspoilt landscapes and genuine beauty of the area.
Maxwell Scott Launches Leather Handbags Collection 2007
The launch of the 2007 Maxwell Scott Handbags Contemporary Collection is winning applause from the fashion world with its unrivaled combination of craftsmanship, innovation and carefully selected materials.
Polo comes to the beach at the Extreme Academy, Watergate Bay supported by Chukka
A Cornish beach will experience a clash of cultures on 20th June 2007 when the world of polo comes to one of the UK's best known surfing beaches.
In a UK first, Watergate Bay near Newquay will see sun-bleached surfers rubbing shoulders with exotic Argentinians as the Extreme Academy hosts the first ever arena-style polo match to be played on a UK beach.
Back to black for catwalk accessories
This winter, make sure that your credit cards don’t show you up when you go to buy the latest hot fashions off the London, Paris and Milan catwalks.
Qatar Airways' Opens World's First Premium Terminal
Spa, Jacuzzi, Duty Free And Fine Dining Restaurants Among Key Features
US$90 Million Facility Built In Just Nine Months
Investment Part Of US$200 Million International Airport Upgrade
Designer chic in Marbella's enchanting Old Town
Hotel Claude - a haven of hotel chic - brings divine decor and 21st century creature comforts to a 17th century mansion house in Marbella´s enchanting Old Town.
M1NT gets taste of Cannes
M1nt, the world's first shareholders private members club is launching M1nt Festival House in Cannes for this year's 60th film festival. M1NT launches its hot new club, catering exclusively to the Hollywood elite at the 60th Cannes Film Festival. Playing host to top DJ acts Felix B from Basement Jaxx and Ben Sowton’s Bar Grooves, M1NT Festival House will be the ultimate party venue this year.
Shanghai for the Discerning Traveller
Drop your guidebooks & see Shanghai like you live here. Interact with the city on your own terms.
Luxury Concierge China delivers personalised Shanghai experiences. We deliver the service, You deserve the luxury.
Leading Green go Carbon Neutral
The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. launched The Leading Green Initiative last week. The first program under the initiative is the “The Carbon-Neutral Experience”, where LHW will make the financial donation to offset any guest’s energy consumption when booking through www.LHWGreen.com or by mentioning “Leading Green” to our voice reservation centers.
Available Feature Content
Desert Pentominum
Sheikh Rashid’s audacious vision for Dubai surviving past the oil boom has seen the tiny city-state undergo a miraculous transformation in the past forty years. Propagated by an economic shift towards tourism, shipping, mass communications and finance, Dubai has become an oasis of political and religious moderation, blooming in the somewhat scary Middle East.
No Spain No Gain
I confess I’d barely heard of Noriega before I was posted off to sun-drenched Malaga to investigate. It wasn’t long before the world of Spanish-luxury-living unravelled itself before me. In Spain Noriega is a household name with an exclusive label attached to it; if your friends hear you’ve bought one of their properties they’ll soon be dropping by to check it out.
Dubai in a Flash
As you will have either seen for yourself or heard about, Dubai is largely one big building site. There’s no point dwelling on this when you’re there, and once you accept the fact, it becomes rather interesting.
Your Carriage Awaits
There’s a wonderful sense of freedom in leaving behind the concrete city skyscrapers and surrounding yourself with soaring mountains and calm lochs - something so definitive to the Highlands of Scotland as its history of warring clans.
Eos
The first time I flew to the United States, nearly sixty years ago, the trip took over twenty four hours. Our plane, a Lockheed Constellation of American Overseas Airlines, took off from a small row of sheds called Heathrow.
Hebridean Chic
Talk of ‘going green’ and reducing the carbon foot print is doing our home grown tourism the world of good. Suddenly, there is nothing more fashionable than popping down to Cornwall for a surf or borrowing a country pile from the Big House Company and filling it with a bunch of friends for the weekend.
Vanilla Spice
We had been invited to visit by the entrepreneur Peter de Savary – the man with a big history in developing and responsible for over 25 international resorts and private clubs including the St James Clubs worldwide, Cherokee Plantation in Carolina, Bovey Castle on Dartmoor, the Aboco Club in the Bahamas and, venue of Madonna’s wedding, the Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle, Scotland.
Eugene Onegin
Oligarchs and Kossacks unite, for the Royal Opera House has a treat in store for all those with a penchant for exquisite Russian music. Pyotr Tchaikosvky, renowned for his fine symphonies and ballets (Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and The Sleeping Beauty – currently showing at the Royal Opera House), was a composer of great depth and variety.
Marrakech Express
Typical, I thought, as the pilot came on the tannoy and informed us that “we’ve hit a thunder storm six miles from Marrakech” I had been looking forward to a February week in a converted Palace in the warm sun of the North African continent.
Southern Grace
There are two great things about South Africa. One is that it is in the southern hemisphere, and so it is one half of the perfect life – summer in England (OK, well maybe not this year), and winter 7000 miles further south. The second is that, unlike almost any other non-European travel hotspot, it is only one or two hours forward of GMT, so no jetlag. Get on the plane at night, go to sleep, and get off at the other end with no bizarre body clock malfunctions.
In Search of Perfection
As the sun rises a cacophony of bells ring throughout the whole of Florence, it was time to check out of our hotel set deep within the centre of the city. This first stage of our journey would be undoubtedly the most challenging, as my F430 and the other two cars accompanying us (a Ferrari 599 and a 430 Spider) had to navigate through busy, central Florence to the nearest petrol station.
Breakfast at Normas
While in the US recently, Lusso supremo Dan Sharp gave me a particularly tough assignment. “Our US agents have reported that Norma’s make the best breakfast in New York. Your mission Dave” he continued “is to find out if this is remarkable claim is true!” Armed with nothing but a keen appetite and a hungry photographer, I set off to find out for myself.
Kersefontein
OK, so a lot of people visit Cape Town – and why not, it is a great city after all. But how many of those visitors venture outside of the city for more than a few hours to get a bit tipsy on the local wine? Not quite so many I would guess. It is a real shame, because one of Cape Town’s attractive features – its cosmopolitan European feel – is also one of its biggest weaknesses.
Serenity in the Seychelles
Meditating upon the madness that is flying today, it’s hard to recall the beautiful things in life when withstanding the relatively restricted comforts of a 12-hour flight. But all this dissipates into thin air once the airbus begins its decent down towards the Indian Ocean, and glancing wistfully into the aeroplane’s familiarly meagre oval window, one proceeds to stare across into the heavens mid-flight or to smile smugly in childish awe at the Lilliputian-sized toy towns that seem to reside so peacefully beneath the wings.
Indian Ocean Hideaway
The sun has fully set, leaving a cool breeze, warm air and crisp night. I left an air conditioned hotel room and wander past the flame-lit swimming pools and numerous restaurants wafting exotic flavours and live jazz into the warm evening air, a welcome environment to be in after a stuffy 12-hour Air Mauritius flight from London Heathrow.
Lost in Luxury
Bermuda’s breathtaking setting has inspired writers for centuries, from William Shakespeare, who used the island as an inspiration for “The Tempest”, to Mark Twain who once wrote, “You go to heaven if you want, I’ll stay here in Bermuda”. Breathtaking pink-sand beaches line the coastline, iridescent turquoise waters surround the island and lush tropical vegetation fills the landscape.
Escaping New York City
As a boy, the impending departure for a holiday abroad brought great excitement and sleepless nights. The adventure wasn’t just about the destination and the promise of waterslides, swimming pools and meals with grown ups, I was excited about the travel aspect too. The drama of the airport, shopping in duty free and the chance to inspect the plane’s cockpit.
Park Life
It is very difficult to reserve judgment until you’ve have actually had first hand experience. Whether you’re referring to a car, restaurant, hi-fi or perhaps even a book, your opinion of said item will often be influenced by magazine reviews, friend’s recommendations and maybe even its appearance.
Available Blog Content
Moving Fast Under Sail
I am a dedicated monohull man. For the past thirty years I have progressed from being a delivery skipper (in my pre-resume days) to chartering a broad variety of bare boats all over the world.
All Other Available Content
Cameron House Spa Resort announces limited edition £5,000 Luxury Gift Voucher
For the last word in premium luxury and indulgence, De Vere Deluxe has created a limited edition £5,000 gift vouchers for their stunning Cameron House Golf and Spa resort. Following a £50m refurbishment, Cameron House has quickly established itself as a world-class spa and golf destination located on the shores of Loch Lomond just 45 minutes from Glasgow airport.
SWISS CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE AT LES TROIS ROIS IN BASEL
Rejoice in the festive season at the five-star superior Les Trois Rois hotel in historic Basel. One of Switzerland’s leading hotels, Les Trois Rois offers a fabulous reason to escape the pre-Christmas high street humdrum this year and go on a traditional Christmas Adventure in Switzerland’s third city.
London hotel sparkles on its starry night
London's most exclusive all-suite luxury residence hotel was recently awarded a five-star Town House Hotel rating by the AA. Plaza on the River - Club and Residence London was recognised for its discreet customer service, quality accommodation and extra services.
From the Middle East to the Middle West...
Winntech and the United Electronics Corporation partnered up to create Zonik, a new boutique-style high-end consumer electronics chain that capitalizes upon the world-wide convergence trend. These new stores represent the absolute pinnacle of retail strategy, environmental design, and technological integration. At Zonik, you can audition live products, best-in-class content, relevant bundled accessories, and then walk out of the store completely ready to enjoy.
Experience ultimate romance this Valentine's Day at The Alex Hotel, New York
Impress someone special this Valentine’s Day with an enchanted trip to New York. The Alex Hotel, New York, is offering guests two romantic packages to inject sophisticated style into any flirtation. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, The Alex Hotel is sleek and sophisticated, ensuring lovers of all ages will enjoy an amorous and relaxing break.
Sunray Village Is Double Winner of Highly Prestigious European Property Awards
Atlantic Estates, the exclusive property agent for Sunray Village, proudly announces the development’s recognition by European Property Awards in association with CNBC Television and SIMA in the categories of 2008 Best European Development and 2008 Best Architecture.
World on Film
World on Film supplies original photographic art to individuals and businesses looking for something different. Exquisitely produced prints, beautifully presented and superbly framed, these works complement any design theme.
Iru Fushi Beach & Spa Resort Opens 21st July in the Maldives
The new five-star Iru Fushi Beach & Spa Resort will open on 21st July 2008. Part of Sun Hotels & Resorts, Iru Fushi is located in Noonu Atoll which, as a new atoll for tourism development, is virtually unspoilt, promising virgin landscapes and unexplored waters for guests to enjoy.
Brand new apart-hotel open in London
Park Plaza County Hall opened early February 2008. Situated on London's fashionable South Bank, the hotel is ideally located close to the city's premier attractions including Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. Most of the 398 rooms are suites with fully-equipped kitchenette, living area, work space, en-suite bathroom and separate bedroom. Many rooms boast enviable views across some of London's most loved attractions including the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye.
SUITE DREAMS AT GRAN HOTEL LA FLORIDA, BARCELONA
Enjoy a unique and personalised stay in one of Gran Hotel La Florida’s exclusive Design Suites. With 74 rooms and 22 Suites eight have been exclusively designed by reputed artists.
Hotel Villa Padierna, relaunch La Veranda with 3 michelin starred chef Martin Berasategui
Hotel Villa Padierna is proud to announce its gourmet restaurant, La Veranda, will be reopened on 11th June to introduce worldwide press to its newly appointed award winning chef, Martín Berasategui. The hotel will host the first gastronomical centre run by the chef in Andalucía.
Grand Resort Lagonissi
When making inquiries and arrangements for the trip to Lagonissi, just outside of Athens, I discovered that most high class destinations were completely booked for many months before the season even started. I guess it was not too much of a suprise - with that sort of sand & sea, Greece in the summer is “the place to be”.
La Reserve
Forgive me for being stereotypical but the English do not live in a society that encourages knowledge of ones health and body. Only now has our nation, with the help of government campaigns, advertising and health warnings, acknowledged the rise in obesity so that we are finally encouraged to take charge of our own health.
Farmhouse Luxury
I’d been charmed by Mallorca a few times before so when the chance of visiting again arose hesitate I did not. After a wet British summer some guaranteed heat would be more than welcome and as this was to be a family trip, the largest of the Balaeric Islands seemed to tick all our required boxes.
Louis Vuitton buys Yacht Manufacturer
The Louis Vuitton Group, LVMH, has purchased Dutch yacht manufacturer Royal van Lent. The yacht company make ultra high end yachts, with an average selling price of 30 million euros. The sellers are Dutch investment firm Egeria and the acquisition price is worth approximiately 11 times net profit.
Asics Inner Muscle Revolutionises Sport Clothing
High end sports clothing has recently gone down the route of tight elastic tops and shorts that initially appear about 4 sizes too small for the athlete. The theory is that the tops provide more overall support to muscles, which improves performance. Asics, a leading trainer company, has taken this technology one step further. Lusso took a look.
Topper chosen for Champion of Champions event
Topper Sailboats offer a range of 12 different boats for all abilities of sailor. They are highly regarded as having excellent construction quality and design. They have been chosen to be the craft of choice for the Endeavour Trophy at least up until 2010 and probably further into the future. Lusso have taken a closer look at this company to see how they do it.
Did Russian billionaire buy 496 million euro property?
Recently, it was reported that Villa Leopolda was sold to a Russian billionaire for just under 500 million euros. It soon revealed that Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov was behind the sale. As is the habit with Russian oligarchs, Prokhorov made his billions in precious metals. In 2007 he launched a $17 billion private investment fund, so he was definitely wealthy enough to purchase the property.
Issue 15, Available December 2008.
Travel Special
The ultimate in peace and quite. Lusso Magazine investigates the best island resorts in the world - it's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it.
Ultimate Toys
Super yacht tenders, powerboats, motorbikes and super cars, we serve up the usual dose of high octane machinery.
And the regulars...
Brian Ebbesen, Arash Farboud, Nick English and others all share their views
The Value for Luxury Market
“Doug,Very interested in your article on EOS and this is something I am trying to re-create ...” By Nigel Worrall 27 September 2008
